In recent years, video games have expanded dramatically in scale and complexity, often requiring over 100 hours to fully experience all content. However, more doesn’t always mean better, as excessive content can sometimes compromise overall quality. Sandfall Interactive, the creator of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, seems to understand this balance well and has shared valuable insights with fellow indie developers.
Advice from Sandfall Interactive
During this year’s Game Awards, Soulframe Liang, the director of Phantom Blade Zero, recounted a conversation with Sandfall Interactive. The advice given was straightforward yet profound: “For the last nine months, the most important thing is to delete things. To cut things [from the game] and polish the rest.” This approach, focusing on refinement over sheer volume, may seem counterintuitive but highlights the importance of a polished gaming experience.
Impact on Game Development
The strategy of trimming unnecessary elements while enhancing what’s left has proven successful for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, even earning it the title of Game of the Year 2025. Some areas in the game may appear sparse, yet this restraint has resulted in a more polished and engaging product. The question remains whether the developers of Phantom Blade Zero will heed this advice to enhance their upcoming release.
Will Phantom Blade Zero adopt this refined approach for an improved gaming experience? While the game’s launch is still some months away, it is evident that S-Game is already focused on enhancing and refining its gameplay. This emphasis on quality over quantity is leading to significant advancements, as seen from the noticeable improvements between the Gamescom 2024 demo and the 2025 build.
Looking Ahead
The leap in quality observed from one year to the next is striking, suggesting that if Phantom Blade Zero continues on this path, it could make a lasting impact similar to that of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The potential for Phantom Blade Zero to stand out is promising, provided this polished approach continues to guide its development.